The ICC announced on Saturday that it would freeze $3.5 million dollars owed to England and $2.5 million owed to New Zealand after they forfeited World Cup matches.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Saturday that it would freeze $3.5 million dollars owed to England and $2.5 million owed to New Zealand after they forfeited World Cup matches.

The world governing body's executive board decided to hold back the money in case, as expected, sponsors and broadcasters demand compensation after the matches were called off.

Both sides were due to earn $9 million from the ICC for taking part in the World Cup in South Africa.

England refused to play Zimbabwe in Harare in their Group A match on February 13 while New Zealand refused to play Kenya in Group B in Nairobi on February 21. Both cited concerns over security but World Cup organisers refused to reschedule the games.